MPS encourages doctors to ensure patients understand online medical records
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While the Medical Protection Society (MPS) welcomes the significant increase in the percentage of patients who can access their medical records online, it is concerned that simply providing patients with access is not enough. MPS is urging doctors to also provide patients with the support they need to understand and use information safely, appropriately and effectively.
MPS survey: Consent an issue for practices involved in seven day GP access trial
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The Medical Protection Society (MPS) is encouraging GP practices participating in the government’s trial to provide seven day GP access and extended opening hours to be mindful of confidentiality if sharing medical records with other primary care services.
In this issue we bring you two interesting cases; the first encourages GPs to exercise caution when diagnosing haematuria, and the second highlights how various poor communication channels can have a negative impact on patient care.
The GMC states that “doctors play a crucial role in protecting children from abuse and neglect”. Child maltreatment includes neglect and physical, sexual and emotional abuse. The following frequently asked questions are designed to advise MPS members what to do and who to contact, should they suspect children are at risk of, or are experiencing, harm.
Doctors play a crucial role in protecting children from abuse and neglect. Surgery consultations, home visits, emergency department admissions and contact with other professionals who work with children help to build up a picture of a child’s situation. This factsheet is designed to help members know how to act and who to contact when they suspect children are at risk of or are experiencing harm.
Under the Misuse of Drugs Act (1971) and the Misuse of Drugs Regulations (2001), GPs have a responsibility for controlled drugs (CDs) within their practice. This factsheet highlights what you should be aware of when carrying, storing and recording controlled drugs.
MPS says the Medical Innovation Bill is unnecessary
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In response to the recent Legislation to encourage Medical Innovation Dr Nick Clements, Head of Medical Services at MPS said, "The Bill is unnecessary. Current law already allows doctors acting responsibly to innovate without fear of clinical negligence claims, provided they have the support of a responsible body of peers and the patient’s informed consent. The Bill gives false reassurance to doctors over their legal position and could undermine clinical trials therefore disrupting medical research.
MPS reminds doctors of duty to children who lack capacity
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Recent news stories have highlighted issues around treating a child who lacks capacity when the parents’ wishes conflict with doctors in terms of the child’s best interests.
Half of junior doctors have quality care concerns – supportive open culture needed
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An MPS survey of over 1,000 newly qualified doctors has found that they continue to face professional and personal challenges on the wards.1 The survey of doctors who are just completing their first (FY1) and second year (FY2) as trainees reveals that...
MPS responds to DH report on Medical Innovation Bill – the Bill is still unnecessary
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The Medical Protection Society (MPS) is interested to see that the Government is proposing amendments to reduce the risks of the Medical Innovation Bill; however it still believes the Bill is unnecessary.
Medicolegal adviser and MPS spokesperson, Dr Pallavi Bradshaw, outlines the various tactics employed by the press and what to do if you become involved in a media story.
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) has been a criminal offence in the UK since 1985 and the legislation was re-enacted in the Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003. Five official reports on the subject have been published since November 2013 and MPS has produced this guidance for members.
Removal of medical equipment after death - Scotland
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If a patient dies and the death is reportable to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, you should leave all equipment in place until you have discussed the case with the Procurator Fiscal. This factsheet gives you further information about what to do.
The General Medical Council (GMC) guidelines Doctors’ use of social media establish the standards expected from every doctor practising in the UK. The guide details the principles of conduct for using social media and explains how doctors can put these principles into practice.
Doctors’ obligations remain unchanged after DNR ruling, says MPS
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In wake of the recent Court of Appeal ruling on Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders the Medical Protection Society has received a number of enquiries from concerned members seeking clarification on the implications.
MPS disappointed as criminal sanction for wilful neglect added to Courts Bill
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The Medical Protection Society (MPS) responds to the government’s decision to add the new criminal sanctions for ill treatment or wilful neglect to the Criminal Justice and Courts Bill.
Queen’s Speech: MPS responds to GMC on Law Commission Bill
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Dr Nick Clements, Head of Medical Services at the Medical Protection Society said, 'Health regulation is complex and time should be taken to properly scrutinise the current arrangements, to prevent any rushed or ill-considered changes.
The Adults with Incapacity Act was introduced in 2000 to safeguard the welfare of adults (age 16 and over) who lack capacity for making their own healthcare decisions, due to a mental disorder or an inability to communicate. This factsheet provides information on how patients with incapacity should be cared for.
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